OVERVIEW: Blackwing is a submarine-launched, small unmanned aerial vehicle (SL-UAV) developed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and communication relay missions. It is launched from a submerged submarine using an existing 3-inch countermeasure launcher and is designed to support undersea and distributed maritime operations.

DETAILS: Blackwing is a miniature fixed-wing UAV developed by AeroVironment and adapted from the Switchblade loitering munition airframe. It is housed in a sealed canister and can be launched through a Submarine Signal Ejector (SSE) or 3-inch countermeasure launcher while the submarine is at periscope depth. Once airborne, it unfolds its wings and begins autonomous flight using GPS and pre-programmed waypoints. It is equipped with secure encrypted data links and a dual-mode electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite for real-time ISR and target tracking. Blackwing also provides line-of-sight communication relay capability between submerged submarines and other naval or unmanned platforms.

TYPE: Submarine-Launched Reconnaissance and Communications UAV

FUNCTION: Blackwing is ejected from the submarine in a sealed buoyant canister, which surfaces and automatically opens to initiate UAV launch using a small rocket motor. The UAV then deploys its wings mid-air, transitions to level flight, and begins ISR or communication relay operations using its onboard EO/IR sensors and secure datalink. It is used to extend situational awareness and tactical communication links in denied or distributed maritime environments.

NOTE:
IOC: 2016 (early evaluation), 2018 (fleet deployment)
Manufacturer: AeroVironment Inc., United States
Operators: United States
Platforms: Virginia-class submarines (via SSE), Los Angeles-class submarines (via countermeasure launcher), Seawolf and Ohio‑class SSGNs
Conflict used in: None confirmed

SOURCE:
U.S. Navy Naval Sea Systems Command: https://www.navsea.navy.mil ; AeroVironment official publications: https://www.avinc.com/uas/view/blackwing ; Congressional Research Service: https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11783 ; Jane’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Targets